Tracing of Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate in the Tequila Production Process.

The purpose of this study was to determine the origin, presence, and fate of the endocrine disruptor di-ethylhexil phthalate (DEHP) during tequila production. For this, three tequila factories (small, medium, and large) were monitored. DEHP concentrations in water, agave, additives, lubricating greases, neoprene seals, and materials of each stage process were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Diminution of migration of phthalic acid esters in tequila beverage by the year of production.

The presence of diethyl-phthalate (DEP), dibutyl-phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl-phthalate (BBP), diethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl-phthalate (DINP) was determined in 295 tequila samples. They were grouped by age of maturation (white, aged, extra aged or ultra aged) and year of production (between 2013 and 2018). Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry was used for identification and quantification.